Buzz
Snowboarding is a prevalent form of entertainment in Japan (image source: pakutaso, model: 茜さや)
Tambara Snow Resort
2. Marunuma Kougen, Gunma
Marunuma Kougen is situated on the western slope of Mount Shirane in the village of Katashina, near the border of Gunma and Tochigi prefectures. This resort area becomes particularly bustling at the beginning and end of the season due to early and prolonged snowfall compared to other resorts in the region. During peak times, visitors often seek resorts with more convenient access than Marunuma Kougen.
Situated at an altitude of 2000m, this resort boasts excellent snow quality, catering to both beginners and professionals alike. With various slopes, including a 4km-long course, mogul areas, and more, Marunuma Kougen offers services for all skill levels—30% of the slopes are suitable for beginners, 50% for intermediate skiers, and 20% for advanced enthusiasts. Choose the slope that suits you best: a gentle hillside for a leisurely experience or a steep mountainside for a thrilling adventure.
After snowboarding, guests can stay at the high-quality resort, featuring numerous bathrooms, saunas, and onsens for a relaxing experience. Cafe Shirane and BBQ House provide ideal venues for enjoying hospitality along with delicious dishes. Guests can indulge in local Kanto specialties like soba noodles, curry, and tempura with a variety of meats and vegetables.
★ Address: 4658-58 Higashi Ogawa, Katashina-mura, Tone-gun, Gunma
Access:
– Train: From Jomo Kogen station on the Joetsu Shinkansen line or from Numata station on the Joetsu line.
– Bus: Take the Katashina Show Express bus departing from Shinjuku at 7:15 am (reservation required).
– Car: By car (choose one of the following routes): from Numata IC, Tsukiyono IC, or Showa IC on the Kanetsu Expressway.
Opening Hours: 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM daily from late November to early May the following year
Parking: Free, except for the Chuo parking lot, which charges 1000 yen on weekends and holidays (free for season pass holders).
Phone: 0278-58-2211
Website: https://www.marunuma.jp
Marnuma Kougen
White World Oze Iwakura
4. Kawaba, Gunma
Kawaba is situated on the southern slope of the Northeastern region of Gunma Prefecture. The multi-story building at the end of the road serves as both a parking area and a resort (the resort is on the top floor with direct access to the mountainside). Thanks to its elevated location, the snow conditions are favorable for snowmaking throughout the season. Kawaba is also renowned for its park, tour services, and diverse snow trails.
Kawaba Ski Resort is a mid-sized facility with 6 ski lifts taking visitors up to an altitude of 580m. It features 11 ski trails, mostly suitable for intermediate skiers, but there are also terrains for beginners and advanced players.
The services here are of high quality and quite diverse. Restaurants offer a varied menu with both Asian and European dishes such as noodles, curry, pizza, hamburgers, ice cream, and more. On the 7th and 8th floors of the Kawaba City building, you can also shop for snow attire. In the surrounding area, you'll find numerous inns, hotels, and hot springs at affordable prices. A one-day, one-night trip is an ideal choice for visitors to Kawaba Ski Resort.
★ Address: Kawaba Kogen, Kawaba-mura, Tone-gun, Gunma
How to get there:
– Train: Take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomo Kogen Station or take the Joetsu Line from Numata Station.
– Bus: Numerous buses go to Kawaba, departing from Michi-no-eki Kawaba Denen Plaza, Jomo Kogen Station, or Numata Station.
– Car (choose one of the following ways): drive from Numata IC, Tsukiyono IC, or Showa IC on the Kanetsu Expressway.
Opening hours: open from 8:00 to 16:00 on holidays and weekends, open from 8:30 to 16:00 on weekdays from December to April of the following year.
Parking: capacity of up to 1800 cars, free parking year-round.
Phone: 0278-52-3345
Website: https://www.kawaba.co.jp
Kawaba Kogen
5. Minakami Houdaigi, Gunma
With over 20 snow resorts, Gunma Prefecture is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for winter travel in the Kanto region of Japan. Among the famous resorts, Minakami Houdaigi is the largest snow resort in Minakami City and has a special appeal to many tourists. The resort has a total of 12.6km of ski trails classified into different levels, with 37% (4.7km) for beginners, 39% (5km) suitable for intermediate skiers, and 24% (3.1km) for advanced players. These trails range from an altitude of 830m to 1400m and offer diverse terrains: a 570m vertical slope, tree runs, short backcountry trails, and on-piste terrains all provide exciting experiences for snow enthusiasts. Therefore, Houdaigi is a suitable destination for both beginners in the sport of skiing and professional players. Not only that, the powder snow here is of excellent quality, ideal for family-friendly recreational activities, especially for young children. With 7 conveniently arranged cable car systems, visitors can easily move around and access various amenities in the resort, such as restaurants, hotels, or recreational areas.
★ Address: 3839-1 Fujiwara, Minakami-machi, Tone, Gunma
Transportation: Take a bus from Jomo Kogen Station to Minakami Station in about 54 minutes and get off at Takaragawa-Onsen Iriguchi. Then continue by the free shuttle bus from there for 10 minutes.
Operating hours: 8:30-16:00 on weekdays, 8:00-16:00 on weekends and holidays.
Parking: There is parking space for about 2400 cars, free on weekdays, and a fee of 1,000 yen on weekends, holidays, and the end of the week.
Phone: 0278-75-2557
Website: https://en.hodaigi.jp/
Minakami Houdaigi
6. Hunter Mountain Shiobara, Tochigi
Located north of Nikko City in Tochigi Prefecture, Hunter Mountain Ski Resort draws its name from Hunter Mountain Resort in New York. It's also one of the suitable snow resorts for a day trip from Tokyo, offering a total of 12 ski trails.
The children's park features two areas with plenty of exciting activities, including snow sliding, tubing, and escalator snow slides. The entrance fee is 1000 yen for adults and 1200 for children, including snow sliding equipment rental and other entertainment. Note that the park is only open from late December to the end of March of the following year. If you want to use the babysitting service, it is also available for 1,100 yen per hour.
★ Address: Maekuro, Yumoto Shiobara, Nasu Shiobara-shi, Tochigi
How to get there:
– Train: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Nasu Shiobara Station or the Kinugawa Line from Ryuokyo Station or the Kinugawa Line from Kinugawa Onsen Station.
– Bus: Take a shuttle bus for about 70 minutes from Nasu Shiobara Station (departs at 8:10 am and arrives at 9:25 am).
– Car (choose one of the following ways): Drive from Nishi Nasuno Shiobara IC on the Tohoku Expressway; or drive from Imaichi IC on the Nikko Utsunomiya Road; or drive from Utsunomiya IC on the Tohoku Expressway.
Opening hours: open from 8:00 to 16:30 on holidays and weekends, open from 8:30 to 16:30 on weekdays from early December to mid-April of the following year.
Parking: capacity of up to 3500 cars; free parking on weekdays; 1000 yen fee on weekends and holidays during the snow season.
Phone: 0287-32-4580
Website: https://www.snow-hunter.jp/
Hunter Mountain Shiobara
7. Edelweiss, Tochigi
A family-friendly snow resort suitable for beginners, Edelweiss offers 11 ski trails catering to all skill levels. From gentle slopes for families and novice skiers to a snow play area for children and challenging trails for professional skiers.
The resort features a restaurant with a diverse menu. Additionally, you can shop for specialized snowboarding gear and clothing. If you're looking for accommodation or onsen bathing options nearby, you can explore some locations near the ski resort at: https://edelsnow.com/profit_info/accommodations.php
★ Address: Keicho-zan, Takahara, Kawaji Onsen, Nikko-shi, Tochigi
How to get there:
– Train: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Nasu Shiobara Station or the Kinugawa Line from Ryuokyo Station or the Kinugawa Line from Kinugawa Onsen Station.
– Bus: In winter, there is a free shuttle bus to the ski resort running from Kinugawa Onsen Station on the Kinugawa Line. The bus departs at 9:00 am and takes about 50 minutes. Passengers need to make reservations in advance.
– Car (choose one of the following ways): Drive from Nishi Nasuno Shiobara IC on the Tohoku Expressway; or drive from Imaichi IC on the Nikko Utsunomiya Road; or drive from Utsunomiya IC on the Tohoku Expressway.
Opening hours: Open from 8:30 to 16:10 daily from late December to the end of March of the following year.
Parking: capacity of up to 1500 cars; free parking daily during the snow season.
Phone: 0288-78-0786
Website: http://edelsnow.com/
Snow Resort Edelweiss
8. Nasu Onsen Family, Tochigi
Nasu Onsen Family is a small snow hill located on the eastern slope of Mount Nasu in Nasu town, Tochigi Prefecture. Here, you can only enjoy snow tubing, not snowboarding. It's a place where families can admire the natural powder snow of the plateau and the impressive panoramic scenery. Anyone, whether a beginner or intermediate skier, can experience the thrill of tubing from an altitude of 1350m with a gentle and relaxing feeling.
★ Address: Yumoto, Nasu-cho, Nasu-gun, Tochigi
How to get there:
– Train: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Nasu Shiobara Station or the Tohoku Honsen from Kuroiso Station.
– Car (choose one of the following ways): Drive from Nasu IC on the Tohoku Expressway; drive from Nasu Kogen SA Smart IC on the Tohoku Expressway; drive from Shiroishi IC on the Tohoku Expressway.
Opening hours: Open from 9:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and from 8:30 to 16:00 on weekends and holidays from late December to mid-March of the following year.
Parking: a total of 3 parking lots with a capacity for 350 cars; free parking daily during the snow season.
Phone: 0287-76-2567
Website: http://familyskiresort-nasu.com/
Nasu Onsen Family
9. Sayama, Saitama
Built in 1959, Sayama Ski Resort is not only one of Japan's first indoor skiing areas but also ranks among the top 5 most famous indoor ski resorts globally. The artificial slope at Sayama stretches up to 300m with 2 graded slopes, making it the longest indoor artificial ski slope in Asia. Despite the recent challenges faced by indoor snow parks in Japan due to the preference for natural snow resorts, Sayama continues to thrive and remains an extremely attractive skiing destination in Japan. Located near the Seibu Dome stadium, it is renowned for its late opening hours on weekends. More than just a fun indoor skiing spot, Sayama is also a training ground for many skiers in the surrounding city center areas. They offer snow equipment rental services, including essential gear, and organize basic skiing courses for both adults and children.
★ Address: 2167 Kamiyamaguchi, Tokorozawa, Saitama
How to get there: A 3-minute walk from Seibu Kyujomae Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro line. If driving, it's about 10 km from the Iruma Interchange on the Ken-O Expressway, following Route 463 to Route 55.
Opening hours: Open from 10:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and notably extends hours from 22:00 to 6:00 on weekends.
Parking: Capacity for up to 700 cars, parking fee of 1,200 yen per day.
Phone: (04)2922-1384
Website: http://www.sayama-ski.jp/ski_web/
Sayama Ski Resort
10. Snova Shin-Yokohama, Kanagawa
Snova Shin-Yokohama is an indoor snow resort open year-round for everyone: from children to the elderly, from beginners to professionals. The ski resort provides modern facilities at affordable prices.
★ Address: Kajiyama 1-2-43, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
Train and bus from Tokyo: Take a 20-minute train ride from Tokyo Station to Shin-Yokohama Station, then catch bus number 8 to Tsurumi Station. From there, head west to the Rikkyoshita bus station and walk an additional minute.
Opening hours: Open from 11:00 to 23:00 on weekdays and 9:30 to 21:00 on weekends and holidays.
Admission fee: 1000 yen (weekdays)
Parking: Capacity for 45 cars
Phone: 045-570-4141
Website: http://snovashinyoko.co.jp/
Snova Shin-Yokohama
11. Snova Mizonokuchi R246, Kanagawa
The entrance to the snow area is on the 2nd floor, right at the base of the slope. This is an indoor snow spot open year-round. Additionally, they offer equipment rental services and snowboarding or skiing courses (pre-registration required). Make sure to bring a jacket and gloves as the temperature hovers around -3 degrees.
★ Address: 5-28-1 Shimosakunobe, Takatsu, Kawasaki, Kanagawa.
How to get there: Nearest station is Tsudayama on the JR Nambu line.
Opening hours: 12:00 ~ 23:00 on weekdays; 9:00 ~ 21:00 on weekends and holidays.
Ticket price: From 2650 yen.
Phone: 044-844-1181
Website: http://www.snova246.com/
Snova Mizonokuchi R246
Are you ready for your first snowboarding experience in Japan? Don't forget to share your impressions of the beautiful winter scenery in the Land of the Rising Sun!
Posted by: Bui Van Sinh
Keyword: Discover 11 Popular Snow Resorts in the Kanto Region, Japan
